White label motor insurance for major high street brand

Southern Rock has won a contract to provide Debenhams branded car insurance – taking the deal away from rival Brightside.

Gibraltan insurer Southern Rock will take over the contract in December after it was held by Brightside for two years. The day-to-day operations will be provided by UK based sister company and broker Eldon Insurance Services.

An email sent by Eldon broking managing director Lance Testa, seen by Insurance Times, said: “Being selected above other, perhaps more established opponents, is real testament to the people and expertise we have within the group as well as definite affirmation that we are a force to be reckoned within the industry.”

A Brightside spokeswoman said: “We are disappointed to lose the car operation from Debenhams, who have been a great partner for us over the last two years.

“Debenhams remain a business partner and we look forward to continuing our relationship with them and focusing on other opportunities in our portfolio. Affinity partnerships are an important part of Brightside’s growth strategy and we hope to be announcing two major new partnerships in the very near future.”

In March Brightside extended a contract to provide car insurance under the Asda Money brand for three years.

Southern Rock declined to comment and Debenhams were unavailable to comment at the time of publication.

Rivals

The clash is the latest between Brightside and Southern Rock since Brightside co-founder Arron Banks left the company.

Brightside was forced to issue a profit warning in December when Southern Rock pulled the underwriting capacity it had provided to the broker.

The two firms are currently involved in a series of legal battles. Southern Rock is suing Brightside for allegedly failing to validate policies in accordance with its terms of business agreement, and for breaching a licence agreement for use of its pricing and underwriting tables.

Brightside has said the claims have no basis and that it intends to mount a robust defence.  

Meanwhile a number of former Brightside staff, including Testa, head of operations Darren Box and sales manager Steve Eyles have joined Eldon.

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